South Africa Send Australia In…

AB de Villiers won the toss and sent Australia in to bat in the first ODI at the WACA. On a pitch expected to offer plenty of pace and carry, de Villiers wanted his fast bowlers to have the first opportunity to make inroads.

The South Africans are without the injured JP Duminy and the selectors opted for Farhaan Behardien to take his place at No.5, with Ryan McLaren slotting in at No.7. They decided against an all-pace attack, naming the legspinner Imran Tahir in the side.

Australia confirmed their XI on match eve and there were no late changes, with Steven Smith squeezed out due to the return of Shane Watson, and fast bowler Kane Richardson omitted. Glenn Maxwell will be Australia’s primary spin option. Allrounder Mitchell Marsh will play an ODI in Australia for the first time, giving Australia a deep batting line-up.